- [Narrator] This is the Spider tortoise.

These little guys are so endangered that scientists say

that they could completely vanish in the next 15 years.

The Spider tortoise is hard to find.

For one, they're tiny.

One of the smallest known land-turtles,

rarely reaching more than six inches in length.

Another reason, they only inhabit a tiny sliver

of Madagascar's southwestern coast.

Their name comes from the web-like patterns on their shells.

During the dry season, they bury themselves in the sand,

and reemerge when it rains

to feed on leaves, roots, and insects.

Just because they're tiny doesn't mean they're young.

They're estimated to live up to 70 years in the wild.

These little guys are up against a lot.

The largest concern is that they are still hunted locally

for food, but the illegal pet trade, and shrinking habitat,

are all threats to their survival.

This is the Spider tortoise.

(light playful music)